tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88595435408315397172024-03-12T18:59:58.158-07:00Coffee At My TableReading, chatting, laughing...Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-66400664790410571082020-10-13T15:00:00.068-07:002020-10-14T15:35:59.643-07:00Swimming Sideways<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ocean waves crashing on shore during daytime" height="198" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/10/18/21/22/california-1751455__340.jpg" width="297" /> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I got caught in an undertow in the 7th Grade. Our school took the 7th-12th graders on a fun outing to one of the most beautiful beaches of my childhood.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My best friend couldn't go, so I ventured out into the water alone. The water was so refreshing. I floated, looked up at the beautiful clouds and daydreamed about everything!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When it came time to swim back to shore, something caught my foot. I now understand why we need swimming buddies. I had never heard of an undertow. It was strong, pulling me out to sea fast. I paddled as hard as I could, flailing sometimes, but wasn't giving up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I then noticed something: The surface water was going into shore, and if I could stay on top and swim in, I knew I'd make it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But it wasn't so simple as the undertow was about two feet below me, so dipping just slightly into that current whisked me back out to sea.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I yelled for help, but the people behind me and the people on the beach didn't respond. All I wanted was to be on dry land with my friends, having a good time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, I rested from time to time by floating and enjoying the Windows 95 day. <br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The real ordeal lasted about 30 minutes, but it felt longer. Once I got to shore, it took what felt like another 30 minutes to find my group. Being nearsighted didn't help either. I know I was a sight to strangers peeking under umbrellas. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Surprised, Blue Eyes, Freckles, See" data-lazy-srcset="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/04/13/16/31/surprised-1327192__340.jpg 1x, https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/04/13/16/31/surprised-1327192__480.jpg 2x" data-lazy="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/04/13/16/31/surprised-1327192__340.jpg" height="183" src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/04/13/16/31/surprised-1327192__340.jpg" width="275" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't think I was ever so happy as the moment I found my friends! I recall flopping down on the sand, exhausted. I believe I fell asleep for a long time as I looked like a boiled lobster that night. It took me a couple of days to heal and I missed school the following Monday.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">But then I was as good as new! I thanked God for literally slowing my mind down enough to run a viable solution passed my panic.<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">You'd think I'd hate the beach, but it is one of my favorite places. I can't wait to get there, set up the umbrella and wade out into the water!<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Maybe you are in a circumstantial undertow. Maybe it's been so long that you wonder if you ever were on dry land. You yell for help. No one comes. You try to describe what's going on. It seems unreal. No response. People do care, but may not understand what's going on. It's okay. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As Dori in Finding Nemo says, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">But yes, you were on dry land once. You basked in the sunshine and felt the wind on your face, and you will again. Get the rest you need. You've gone through something big, but it didn't get you down. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now you're ready to tell your story. If you try to tell it in the middle of the panic, it will come out wrong, backwards, upsidedown. But once you've rested, you will realize by God's loving grace you got through it and are stronger, kinder, more patient and a better listener. And now you can help others with the lessons you learned. In fact, you may find some humor in parts of your story given time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I can still see the people jumping when I looked under the umbrellas. I jumped myself. In fact, I am so glad I happened to pick the right direction when I headed up the beach. Imagine if I had chosen the other direction? They might still be looking for me!<br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Someone told me later in life what to do if caught in an undertow:<br /></p><p>Swim sideways.</p><p>It can be a handy life philosophy as well.</p><p>Swimming sideways can be whatever it takes to get you out of any life loop; it's healing, it's rescue, it's life-saving. If you try to swim into shore, you will exhaust yourself.</p><p>Just swim sideways...not forwards, not backwards, sideways as fast as you can and you'll be away from the current quicker than you can say "something's got my foot and I can't get out"!<br /></p><p>But you can get out.</p><p>In these unprecedented times, I echo the words being said globally, We'll get through this. I don't say this idealistically, nor disrespectfully, but I truly believe we will.</p><p>We will hug again, kiss on the cheeks, high five, chest bump, feel the love, have dreams and build a better tomorrow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F1axBGWFm4U" width="320" youtube-src-id="F1axBGWFm4U"></iframe></div>In closing, I thank God for our emergency and medical workers, our leaders, entertainers who keep us laughing, and family and friends who comfort and keep us connected! What are you thankful for?<br /><br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-46249569176488663162020-10-08T12:00:00.000-07:002020-10-14T15:35:24.261-07:00Tribute to an Original: Eddie Van Halen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D5qT2C_Ggpg" width="320" youtube-src-id="D5qT2C_Ggpg"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My college roommate Sharon introduced me to Van Halen somewhere around 1983. I bought the albums Diver Down and 1984. The songs I played over and over were Dancin' in the Streets and Pretty Woman from DD, and Jump from 1984.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't know a lot about their personal lives except that Valerie Bertinelli married Eddie in 1981 and they had a son named Wolfgang, named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. They nicknamed him Wolfie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the years since I learned that Eddie and Alex were classically trained pianists. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Learning about Eddie's death a couple of days ago brought back a lot of memories from college and dating John. Van Halen and U2 were our in-common bands. After David Lee Roth left the band, we still followed VH through the Sammy Hagar years and part of the Gary Cherone years (the lead singer from Extreme who took Sammy Hagar's place. My two favorite Extreme songs I wore out were Hole Hearted and More than Words; didn't care for the album's name in case some may wonder, but I digress).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the last couple of days I learned that Gene Simmons discovered Van Halen around 1976. I watched a short clip on ET on Gene Simmons' words about Eddie. He mentioned last seeing him shortly after Eddie's diagnosis. Eddie had his famous grin on and off the stage. Gene got the courage up to ask about his diagnosis, and Eddie kept it light, then bid goodbye. Gene commented on his constant kindness.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also learned their father was Dutch and mother Indonesian. They came from Holland when the boys were young. The Van Halen's settled in California, the parents working a lot to keep the boys in school and in piano lessons. Eddie ended up purchasing a drum kit and somehow a guitar got thrown in, either by his parents, or Alex bought it. The short story is they traded instruments and the rest is history. Eddie's words about Alex were something like Alex made music on the drums.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is so much I don't know, but will end with this; Eddie did the guitar solo for Michael Jackson's Beat It. He made a deal with the producer, Quincy Jones to do the rif. When the "Beat It" musicians were away from the studio, Eddie snuck in and played around with a few rifs. He layed down a track which Quincy said was better than the one they had written originally. Eddie didn't want pay or credit as VH had a pact that none of them would do solo or side work. Eddie "got away" with it because everyone was on vacation and he had the time to do a favor for his friend Quincy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the little information I've gathered these last few days I discovered that though Eddie was a chain smoker and battled alcohol much of his life, he was still known for his good nature. In his later years, he was valued and remained humble. In a short interview clip he was telling his story to some college students and asked them about fifteen minutes into telling his story, "Is this interesting"? They all yelled, "Yes"!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you Eddie for finding new ways to bring music out of an electric guitar and lifting so many spirits. Rest in Peace and know your family is in the world's prayers and hearts now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-28651317127305873172018-09-11T11:52:00.000-07:002018-09-11T11:54:00.708-07:00The Ci-i-i-ircle of Li-i-i-fe!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lXjI2kuNkhE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lXjI2kuNkhE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
(If the video does not display, please click the link below) <br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXjI2kuNkhE">The Lion King "The Circle of Life"</a><br />
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So I am out walking this morning and stop to post a picture of a heart-shaped leaf on Instagram. I am seeing so many heart-shapes all over and have taken to posting them again...<br />
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Out of nowhere a voice belted something that sounded like <span style="color: orange;"><b>"The Ci-i-i-ircle of Li-i-i-fe!"</b></span> at the top of his lungs. In zero to 2 seconds I was feet off the ground, every hair on my body standing on end!<br />
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When I turned to see who it was, a young man plugged into his phone politely said, "Oh! I'm sorry"<br />
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All I could do was laugh and wish him a good day as he waved in response, continuing his tune...<br />
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I ended up doubled over laughing to compose myself. Turning to get back on the path, a man around his 80s in Nike shorts and a <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>green tank</b></span> top fast-walked by catching my laughter and joining in.<br />
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I turned around a few minutes later, only to run into the man in the green tank who had just turned around too. As I read his shirt, I had to take another laugh break. All I remember was something "<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>Undie Run</b></span>" and the year!<br />
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I not only get a good cardio workout on my walk-runs, but my abs are getting tighter from the laughter at all the T-shirts!<br />
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<b>This post is dedicated to my father who loves to laugh</b>! He's one of my biggest blog fans - it's mutual dad, I got a lot of my writing acumen from you!! - and it takes me back to listening to him cackle at The Road Runner cartoons long ago. Keep laughing Dad! You bring so much joy to the world!!! I love you :-)Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-12388354873937353572018-08-29T20:07:00.000-07:002018-08-29T20:07:43.552-07:00I-I-Ice B-B-Bath! Wahhhhh!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPivQ9WRrndSKAwvuVKEL-_pgkUy_mhBUzhEWO9om7GNZGa0xOefWGgu5ZCcZxurkSTL0OkUDkr1dlhQX4bSsjtMZKqSf5Ge2LbILmLkuZJSKmLOo6aSHIxGhFnPi5LcHAqe2AtYsFvI/s1600/running-1705716__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="510" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPivQ9WRrndSKAwvuVKEL-_pgkUy_mhBUzhEWO9om7GNZGa0xOefWGgu5ZCcZxurkSTL0OkUDkr1dlhQX4bSsjtMZKqSf5Ge2LbILmLkuZJSKmLOo6aSHIxGhFnPi5LcHAqe2AtYsFvI/s200/running-1705716__340.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I recently added a regimen to my workout routine that was painful, but effective.<br />
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It's called an ice bath.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>You have not lived until you try to sit in water that is 60 degrees F for two minutes. </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Optimum time is three minutes. The following graphic explains it all.</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NpE7yU02c_ctwPZ2J4cTHVQRaFMT-puBNL8jRG-TIaZwcKYw9pD51xTkom0YGR3SDJN80ZqoAnduPb6yw4mCkj7XTG4xKpQC0ZBLdmqCQXuXHdECHHFQdAWlAWfwJntfpJS5CdQ-COI/s1600/article-0-058C939B000005DC-660_468x613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="613" data-original-width="468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NpE7yU02c_ctwPZ2J4cTHVQRaFMT-puBNL8jRG-TIaZwcKYw9pD51xTkom0YGR3SDJN80ZqoAnduPb6yw4mCkj7XTG4xKpQC0ZBLdmqCQXuXHdECHHFQdAWlAWfwJntfpJS5CdQ-COI/s320/article-0-058C939B000005DC-660_468x613.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
I had it all planned out. I did my usual run on a hot humid Houston morning, cooling down, then would try the ice bath.<br />
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I happened to be speaking to my first best friend since childhood on the phone, explaining what I was about to do. She "went with me" to McDonalds where I got ten lbs. of ice for $10, bargain! (In reality, it took two trips. Long story, but she was with me through the whole event.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PuSRcsgrDYU_xFcfcwZXklxGXmGCZmXWlqsR7UBXrpvCUHtE5P4iG-LZgYyjNSGsyO7-2q0exf84E0sDRB5mpgQQwzA_Qx9IRIwlKIQ5509GYrVpjq3myH-SWi7KBkjvwH1H2wOhb4U/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PuSRcsgrDYU_xFcfcwZXklxGXmGCZmXWlqsR7UBXrpvCUHtE5P4iG-LZgYyjNSGsyO7-2q0exf84E0sDRB5mpgQQwzA_Qx9IRIwlKIQ5509GYrVpjq3myH-SWi7KBkjvwH1H2wOhb4U/s200/index.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>"I'm getting in!" I told Gina, "but stay on the phone...Arghhhh! I can't believe I'm doing this! Talk to me!"</b></span><br />
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<b>I don't know what she said, because everything became other-worldly. The minute each body part hit the water, every vessel and gland constricted, including my tear ducts! I felt like crying but couldn't. I laughed! My body was now a popsicle! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwI-36Z5aCuIVQGI2A2ac4EizyPnNsTgC8Ib2f1WJI7b0mfz4JYkwdICX8GpkhzLLIIAyT5GyEj4oX7OetFeh6m4_g0j036jb_EH3UYoqDbR-9NrcSuldzY66CTUFhCw5VQV6KDfPi2Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="266" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwI-36Z5aCuIVQGI2A2ac4EizyPnNsTgC8Ib2f1WJI7b0mfz4JYkwdICX8GpkhzLLIIAyT5GyEj4oX7OetFeh6m4_g0j036jb_EH3UYoqDbR-9NrcSuldzY66CTUFhCw5VQV6KDfPi2Q/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Every 30 seconds felt like five minutes. I barely made the two-minute mark when I hopped out!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"Enough! I'm out of here!"</b></span><br />
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Then the most amazing thing happened a few minutes afterwards, just as promised. The blood rushed though my body and I began to feel great! In fact, I slept well, got up and had extra energy today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAi_8whhOW0GZ_Nj3S8QSpowVX3nqLou1Q3BlTMUFTtx9t5xFZL2hMBL8vcJC0uUzMd2O11I7aj9-YMAjxMT_RCloCVwmcvSqROc4PKXvY1iQXcPqfo9nhhZ8uPA8JEUqsLWAljUwvZA/s1600/index2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAi_8whhOW0GZ_Nj3S8QSpowVX3nqLou1Q3BlTMUFTtx9t5xFZL2hMBL8vcJC0uUzMd2O11I7aj9-YMAjxMT_RCloCVwmcvSqROc4PKXvY1iQXcPqfo9nhhZ8uPA8JEUqsLWAljUwvZA/s200/index2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When relaying the story to my aunt yesterday, she said she had never heard of ice baths until watching the US Open. <span style="color: blue;"><b>I learned Novak Djokovic and Marton Fucsovics took an ice bath break. Then refreshed, went at it another two-and-a-half hours.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>I recommend the ice bath, but only after doing your research and if it fits in with your personality and regimen. </b></span><br />
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I am looking forward to my next one. I read they should be done at least one week apart. That's long enough to forget the pain and live in the gain, much like giving birth, so I hear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5PLXTV1GdS4ODBaWOjuoEcM1M3tIaLCRLHliKFpyoulORlxWrXWkFTQ0gCYDKwb3p91DKNa355xWTrguhuoZmcne-oNCvPqam6krPVuhudbTV5hsgnHqlIRdiYhIQ__v4ixAJmuwjEs/s1600/winter-3403737__340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="453" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5PLXTV1GdS4ODBaWOjuoEcM1M3tIaLCRLHliKFpyoulORlxWrXWkFTQ0gCYDKwb3p91DKNa355xWTrguhuoZmcne-oNCvPqam6krPVuhudbTV5hsgnHqlIRdiYhIQ__v4ixAJmuwjEs/s200/winter-3403737__340.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;">This post is dedicated to all athletes paid and not, big and small, known and unknown doing what you can to care for your temple including challenging it to do the amazing so that you can live a longer, stronger more vibrant life!</span></b><br />
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<b>Here's to the Polar Bears!</b><br />
<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-60637418673686861532018-08-24T06:52:00.001-07:002018-08-24T06:52:17.938-07:00Today is the day to Laugh!John and I watched this video recently and got a good ab workout from laughing!<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n9fYaeGMX0A/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9fYaeGMX0A?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3bhJR8QoHA&t=958s<br />
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If you have no tragedy, you have no comedy. Crying and laughing are the
same emotion. If you laugh too hard, you cry. And vice versa. — Sid
Caesar <br />
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A good laugh is sunshine in the house. — William Thackeray <br />
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Earth laughs in flowers. — Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
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From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. — Dr. Seuss<br />
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This post is dedicated to my sister who makes me laugh everytime we talk. She sees the funny in everything. Her life is amazingly busy, but she has an amazing spirit and does not let anything phase her! Here's to you A!!! <br />
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<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-2666367659083538082018-07-29T17:05:00.000-07:002020-03-26T11:01:52.755-07:00Improving with AgeI got curious today about a family club we used to frequent in Brazil.<br />
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It was called the Clube de Campo Do Castelo, or the Country Club of the Castle. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/er-a0JkRf0c" width="480"></iframe> <br />
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=er-a0JkRf0c <br />
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The club looks like it's still going strong, changing very little of the landscape, tennis courts, pool, gymnasium, restaurant and meeting areas. I see a new gym and the boats on the lake are up to date.<br />
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It was so much fun to go out there on Thursday afternoons. Our mothers shared carpooling, and would come out to get us after school in a big group to take us to the clube. Some of us would play tennis with our fathers, who had been out there most of the day already.<br />
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Some of the mothers played tennis as well. The other mothers in our mission group hung out under the canopy of trees. There was always conversation, some women crafted and others relaxed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdzzJeeMKK45PAxgEBYvRr7ay9V0jt7OetJAhpM5uTtHah9esau_D-WLPuiCvvBkk0DMSrL-OycgeqQYfQM8YU_DHMm4RFBYCOZycBRhMDRJyy_K4yAy4frO_qA2sLcs4QIXsQa6r9Fg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdzzJeeMKK45PAxgEBYvRr7ay9V0jt7OetJAhpM5uTtHah9esau_D-WLPuiCvvBkk0DMSrL-OycgeqQYfQM8YU_DHMm4RFBYCOZycBRhMDRJyy_K4yAy4frO_qA2sLcs4QIXsQa6r9Fg/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a> We kids could rent hammocks, ride paddle boats, play on the play sets, run around the large acreage playing all kinds of games, swim, play clay court tennis, or play on the tennis backboard to get some practice.<br />
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The clube was a place of respite, where we could catch our breath and look forward to the weekend. <br />
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I recall my Uncle Allen and Aunt Lucia joining us. They were always in the pool with us kids, and Allen taught me how to do the side crawl, on both sides! We loved throwing coins into the pool and racing to grab them! We would race as well, among so many other aquatic games; many of which were made up.<br />
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There was also a walkway over the pool, dividing the shallow end of the pool from the deep end. There was something magical about that bridge. It could be anything we wanted it to be, from a bridge over a mote, to water washing under a cave.<br />
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During American Holidays, we'd have cookouts on the grills and our mothers would spread a feast on the picnic tables! We'd sing the US National Anthem, America the Beautiful, and other folk songs. If it was World Cup season, we might throw in a song to celebrate our beloved Brazil!<br />
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I am imagining all the fun the country club is still having with a newer
generation of families! May you be around a long time dear clube! <br />
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<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-89272143747699357162018-07-23T19:40:00.003-07:002020-10-03T10:57:11.892-07:00Beatles MemoriesMy first connection with the Beetles was hearing about "those boys with the long hair"!<br />
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As a child of about four or five, all I recall were four guys with hair cuts like my little brother. Richard had the cutest bowl haircuts, though his was a tad shorter. I guess Rich's passed the dress code. Later in life I learned that "long hair" was anything that grazed the back of a collar.<br />
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Meanwhile, the Beetles became a part of our family.<br />
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Though we loved Brazil, my parents got homesick and often "killed homesickness" - as we'd say in Portuguese - by listening to American music. In prior posts, I've mentioned the sounds of Peter, Paul & Mary, Trini Lopez, Richard Anthony, along with mom's high school collegue, Roger Miller.<br />
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One of my favorite memories with Mom was going to all of the Beetles' movies when they came out. Mom's habit at the movies was to wait until the lights went down, then pull out her cat eye glasses.<br />
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This was the closest version I could find. Picture them in silver. I always thought they were so cool, but mom really didn't like being seen in them. (She has since been okay with this knowledge being shared and is now a part of her legendary portfolio of stories).<br />
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We'd get transported to another word with the songs. On the way home we'd attempt to sing some of the songs, since this was the age before cassettes. For those of you who don't know what cassettes are, they preceded the 8-track and then the higher quality cassette, and eventually, in the 90s, the CD...which now is a thing of the past with XM Radio, Blue tooth and so many more amazing options.<br />
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So when I saw this Carpool Karaoke with Sir Paul McCartney, it drew me in the same way, and transported me back to a wonderful time of music and family togetherness.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-46769491999588020602018-07-04T09:57:00.001-07:002018-07-04T10:15:04.008-07:00Happy Birthday America, Your Pot Continues to Melt Over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red;">"The ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, that we must be
contented to secure what we can get from time to time, and eternally
press forward for what is yet to get."</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">-Thomas Jefferson to Charles Clay Monticello Jan. 27. 1790.
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Web Source: <a href="http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/123" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/123</a></div>
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Like Yakov Smirnoff used to say, "America, what a country"! It is an amazing country, for in it's ideal state, opposing opinions should enrich one another. Left and Right can meet with a kiss of peace, educating and bringing the extreme views into a more balanced state. <br />
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Two thanksgivings come to mind on this day.<br />
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The first is that I am blessed with friends in so many sectors and philosophies of Americana, and am the richer for it. There is something beautiful in everyone. Celebrating the good is the only way to give birth to more good.<br />
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Secondly, I have been fortunate enough to celebrate the 4th of July in many places, including overseas. <br />
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Growing up in Brazil, my parents and other Americans living abroad remembered our roots together. We celebrated with our friends, who were our overseas family, with the traditional cookout of hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, apple pie, and usually brigadeiros were thrown in. They're known as chocolate Brazilian truffles, and in my opinion, the national dessert!<br />
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We sang the traditional songs, the American National Anthem, America The Beautiful, My Country 'Tis of Thee, and then might throw some camp songs in, both in English and Portuguese.<br />
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I recall also celebrating in Japan while there during one summer in college. One of my college mates Melanie and I spent the fourth with an American family, the Rays. We had a cookout, of course. I looked out the window and spied a large car below, that though parallel parked, seemed to take up one lane of the road. At this point, I had been in Japan so long I was used to the diminutive size of everything. When we left, we walked by the car and realized it was a Trans Am! Straight from America to Japan!<br />
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And finally, in honor of the World Cup...24 years ago we married in the Boston area, and honeymooned in Florida. That was the year the World Cup was being held in America! Both of us being soccer fans - you could say soccer even brought us together - we so wanted to see one of the games. But the closest we got were the stadiums in Boston and Orlando, but no dice! TV was our salvation! We spent the 4th with some friends, Boston "ex-pats," and watched...wait for it...USA V. Brazil! Brazil won 1-0.<br />
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This country is a gift not only to its citizens, but to the world. When we are humble, thank God and put our minds and hearts to work, the world becomes a better place. I believe in American diplomacy, not only via diplomats, but the everyday citizen. My parents taught me diplomacy, and it has come in handy when entering new cultures and sub-cultures. Today I am learning to live in the 21st century culture, and its a new breed of nearly everything. But I am hopeful. I love the next generation, particularly since our daughter is a part of this culture of force for good.<br />
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I believe that the USA will not decline, as other great nations have, after 200-250 years. Based upon our roots, I see it flourishing as a great tree shading not only its citizens, but those of other countries through polite diplomacy, citizen cooperation and a constant curiosity for learning and passing along the important to the next generation. We may be in a slump, but not for long! We are resilient, loving, strong and kind. I see new generations being more grateful for their ancestors; we all stand on the shoulders of giants!<br />
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So America, Happy Birthday, and may these beautiful colors never flag, may they stand strong with the deepest love for country and all humanity, and may we all know how loved and blessed we are each day God gives us life!<br />
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1812 Overture FlashMob! </div>
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Written by a Russian, Tchaikovsky, and played at the Placa del Mercat, Algemeci, Valencia, Spain!<br />
And claimed by Americans as one of our Patriotic pieces of music! </div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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This post is dedicated to all of those who have served in our armed forces, missionaries, public servants, entrepreneurs, employees, artists, entertainers, believers, non-believers, families, the childless, singles, the dreamers, successful, non-successful, the in-progress, the "don't-give'uppers," liberals, conservatives, hippies, baby boomers, gen-Xers, gen-futures, professors, students, the marginalized; all who call themselves Americans, and those who have given the ultimate gift of their lives. To those who have been wounded or are going through difficulty and are hurting, may your healing come quickly, for we honor your life as well.<br />
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God bless you and God bless America!<br />
<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-44760305969706949592017-12-12T07:39:00.001-08:002017-12-12T07:39:07.973-08:00Test Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz-BI2LXjlvoAQmoC7vOrMXu8yRKm_3QuL2WGD3904Yo2Uf-pOVn60hjCCa6aYqVmbkH_dOfJxP12oM4tI35MFZYsTWaCL18C3KG0PhswOL1mUy7uzCX58sEQQtnWCCiJgLpr2sK0_4c/s1600/2016.J+and+D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="489" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLz-BI2LXjlvoAQmoC7vOrMXu8yRKm_3QuL2WGD3904Yo2Uf-pOVn60hjCCa6aYqVmbkH_dOfJxP12oM4tI35MFZYsTWaCL18C3KG0PhswOL1mUy7uzCX58sEQQtnWCCiJgLpr2sK0_4c/s320/2016.J+and+D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like this picture of my husband John and Me.<br />
<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-91070680680932589562016-02-09T03:39:00.000-08:002016-02-09T03:39:27.001-08:00Innumerable Chances<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiss5_967k3r_DLCxLmoZpe66pvKn4ldeLpNOT-ylSQTbqSj2lGQVuXisgQ8ozLdoQ7boN3KpoG70uElw6cp104eBNu0ZCu6Z7Aa2gFh1KP6BXZReLjlQmctd0MEYrhlpgnJF_zeVBxMw/s1600/sunrise-1116985__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiss5_967k3r_DLCxLmoZpe66pvKn4ldeLpNOT-ylSQTbqSj2lGQVuXisgQ8ozLdoQ7boN3KpoG70uElw6cp104eBNu0ZCu6Z7Aa2gFh1KP6BXZReLjlQmctd0MEYrhlpgnJF_zeVBxMw/s1600/sunrise-1116985__180.jpg" /></a>I am enjoying a new day.<br />
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In fact, I have had so many fresh starts and second chances it isn't fair to those who only have a few.<br />
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So I do my best to use my second, third and more chances to the best of my abilities.<br />
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But then the inevitable happens and I find myself needing another chance in a situation that somehow does not seem to find resolution in this particular age, economy and connectedness.<br />
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I find it ironic that today with the wealth of beauty, opportunity and connectivity that more people seem to be suffering from chronic sadness, poverty and loneliness. If you are suffering so, my prayer for you is that this is only a dark season incubating a wonderful blessing just around the corner.<br />
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I believe as long as we have a sound mind and open heart, God can do amazing miracles in the deep recesses of our souls if we let Him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUkNuFx2cTtjByVj3KrJiKwu8RyBDGN-0Dt0qnMcnfRaPEk7UpsK_pNr3CiMyFqdflF11fIf6BJEy4TYsTIY3aPqjd9V-aEfcR45UXE6a7oZWgatg96i6jbuWkEF_EEsMx8x96L-_UqM/s1600/vienna-1022251__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUkNuFx2cTtjByVj3KrJiKwu8RyBDGN-0Dt0qnMcnfRaPEk7UpsK_pNr3CiMyFqdflF11fIf6BJEy4TYsTIY3aPqjd9V-aEfcR45UXE6a7oZWgatg96i6jbuWkEF_EEsMx8x96L-_UqM/s1600/vienna-1022251__180.jpg" /></a>Each day is a new canvas upon which to paint more of God's beautiful story in my life.<br />
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What will I do with my innumerable chances today? How can I use my mind to store and process the truth I see going on around me? How will I manage my emotions among a bevy of reasons to get down? How can I use my material blessings to bless another spiritually?<br />
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Can a new car substitute for a phone call to a loved one?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeIfJceUVNhLvBAbTd4kXRpzHciPqcIV3xY_RkCKYLgVEWmk3Ch3gg-wzpz-RHucRErmOf478hyPLRHeh4IXb0Vuj6-y3UGWya1RXRjcnWpUsfOg4eYApifzh2pqkEjBEnCdj246wQAM/s1600/directory-466935__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJeIfJceUVNhLvBAbTd4kXRpzHciPqcIV3xY_RkCKYLgVEWmk3Ch3gg-wzpz-RHucRErmOf478hyPLRHeh4IXb0Vuj6-y3UGWya1RXRjcnWpUsfOg4eYApifzh2pqkEjBEnCdj246wQAM/s1600/directory-466935__180.jpg" /></a>Can a new dress substitute for sitting across a good friend having coffee?<br />
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Can the focus on an ambition absolve me from acting kindly towards the needy that surround me almost every day?<br />
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A phone call, a cup of coffee, and hand-me-up...the immeasurable joy that can come from each of these cannot be understated!<br />
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Here's to your phone call today, a cup of coffee with a friend - possibly over the phone - and an opportunity to bless someone along the side of the road of life with encouraging smiles, words or material blessings that their day might end on a more hopeful note!<br />
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Who knows, the weightiness you - we all feel at times will slowly lift...and who couldn't call that miraculous?<br />
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A reason to be down has been turned upside down by focusing on the Father of Lights and all the Light He has shone upon us this beautiful new day by reaching out in faith, not judging who will receive my love.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by Coffee At My Table!<br />
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-57525667427443174412015-11-07T23:00:00.000-08:002015-11-07T23:01:03.968-08:00New ShoesListening to one of my favorite groups as I write this piece. I was introduced to Bread by the Norton family while living in Brazil during my Jr. High years...Enjoy a little background music while reading...<br />
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<a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bread/makeitwithyou.html">"Make It With You" Lyrics Link</a></div>
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I need to replace these shoes...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMFN5RXg1tG5E87F_w952O2Vl2QxP0Ahlhg38sMCJyPeRLn80OlbY4T_TDpHviyUadHNsb4v2X-UZyQKHLkzNKzjwY722ciRNyUJghS4JH7SAnBD9euoXIE1GLVN4YhD9JC05azKvLvY/s1600/151108.My+smelly+shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMFN5RXg1tG5E87F_w952O2Vl2QxP0Ahlhg38sMCJyPeRLn80OlbY4T_TDpHviyUadHNsb4v2X-UZyQKHLkzNKzjwY722ciRNyUJghS4JH7SAnBD9euoXIE1GLVN4YhD9JC05azKvLvY/s320/151108.My+smelly+shoes.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smelly, story-laden shoes</td></tr>
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They are comfy, still have a lot of life, but a bit smelly...even when I wear socks! I hate replacing them, but the scent of feet in unbreathable shoes is getting to me, not to mention my husband and daughter. They've been kind and laugh when I remove my shoes and run to the bathroom to wash my feet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmdfJgfESspMWl-X7D_c0ntv6rYAqtUbgMlNZ7Vs4OuxyktJyP1XArgSxGIHQjPzhsDhuPqSmCS2eqxs4CNXYiRfZe1B1-6Xjss1UaIX7o1JuwT_eeV0qRwAsul9gOCgeVs_Ee8kCu3Y/s1600/151016.Hand+in+hand+at+the+mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmdfJgfESspMWl-X7D_c0ntv6rYAqtUbgMlNZ7Vs4OuxyktJyP1XArgSxGIHQjPzhsDhuPqSmCS2eqxs4CNXYiRfZe1B1-6Xjss1UaIX7o1JuwT_eeV0qRwAsul9gOCgeVs_Ee8kCu3Y/s320/151016.Hand+in+hand+at+the+mall.jpg" width="192" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Monika and Me</td></tr>
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But these sturdy shoes need to bless someone else's feet with the rest of the life they have ahead. I spent yesterday shopping with Monika looking for a replacement, but no dice yet. I must endure the ripe olfactory wisps until then.<br />
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But I will miss them. They have a story to tell...<br />
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I got them around February of 2006, right before my Bammel church women's retreat. I was asked to lead the singing that year and nervous as a cat on its way to getting a bath. <br />
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But Mom taught me years ago if I am asked to help out at church, and can do it, just do it. It will bless me and others.<br />
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How right you were mom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGHrUxMtZDJtWS2hbX1tfNKBNHQ9jU4yDH1zLrF1kpC2QeXgqnuLgRAtpnOojYVdGfmS_nSWuMQytaMwSPkqT86lZivMcFHXqarsuHIVpwVMgQWQEDKBru9DDQyR1EVWiLq69VjHQLlg/s1600/130602.Mom+and+Me.2.Mom%2527s+1st+Knee+Surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGHrUxMtZDJtWS2hbX1tfNKBNHQ9jU4yDH1zLrF1kpC2QeXgqnuLgRAtpnOojYVdGfmS_nSWuMQytaMwSPkqT86lZivMcFHXqarsuHIVpwVMgQWQEDKBru9DDQyR1EVWiLq69VjHQLlg/s320/130602.Mom+and+Me.2.Mom%2527s+1st+Knee+Surgery.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing Mother!</td></tr>
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I sang my heart out...maybe too much...but what a great retreat that was! I recall traveling to the retreat with my good friend then Dollwyn, and hearing wonderful lessons about how being in the family of God is akin to royalty, and to never ever forget it as long as I live!<br />
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I have not. It's guided me when the externals threaten otherwise.<br />
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What I remember when I look at my shoes is the role Bammel played in my life. John and I had been married 10 years when we began attending church there. He was a New-Englander come Texan four years prior. Bammel had a profound impact on my early spiritual formation and I wanted him to know this group of people too, and hoped they had not changed. But they had...they had only gotten better!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FxpwrirXO8k45Hqf58GjGfrWZkinDNR0fn-_Ma_LX5g30LxYWAVP6oxNIIhMrEhyLHQmKfslMxStE5q99MQdYAQR59IKulm7xDJWwOWPIsao3f1iz0gZBcBOZaEwQpSh-PBIEnjwsOA/s1600/boston-720730__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FxpwrirXO8k45Hqf58GjGfrWZkinDNR0fn-_Ma_LX5g30LxYWAVP6oxNIIhMrEhyLHQmKfslMxStE5q99MQdYAQR59IKulm7xDJWwOWPIsao3f1iz0gZBcBOZaEwQpSh-PBIEnjwsOA/s1600/boston-720730__180.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boston</td></tr>
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I first heard of Bammel when my youth group went for a youth retreat from our then temporary home of four months in Corpus Christi to Houston for a weekend. We had so much fun that weekend while growing our personal faith in God. I made new friends as a newly transplanted MK from Brazil to the US, and was made to feel so at home because of the love I saw radiated at Bammel.<br />
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When we began attending Bammel in 2004, John and I were welcomed with open arms and enfolded by Michael Montalvo, a wonderful minister that reached out to John and made him feel as if time and space had never separated them as brothers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvJ2IrZ6levgwuiJLfvVnldu1Y0310lV_EeYjuDFah3Ptg-S-1J7uJ46XtLNzdlnALSw4Wnxs4_YFof6EjvVje0ZdyOEemtuB-RMkfBleFvOmXl0kYwtkCgo2nSLmXrVaEys-1tRrW4/s1600/city-skyline-719982__180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvJ2IrZ6levgwuiJLfvVnldu1Y0310lV_EeYjuDFah3Ptg-S-1J7uJ46XtLNzdlnALSw4Wnxs4_YFof6EjvVje0ZdyOEemtuB-RMkfBleFvOmXl0kYwtkCgo2nSLmXrVaEys-1tRrW4/s320/city-skyline-719982__180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston</td></tr>
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Gail Matthews was my mentor, allowing me to stretch a newly found gift; writing. She put me right to work editing a quarterly women's newsletter. I so enjoyed each newsletter we published with the help of a dedicated staff. I learned so much from the other contributors, namely Holly Lewis whose writings on motherhood watered my dreams of being a mother one day. I also enjoyed researching and writing my own pieces; it got me out of my head and focused on the good things God was laying on my heart to share.<br />
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I will always have great memories of Bammel because of these shoes. Though we are back in Houston, and not at Bammel, I still have great respect and admiration for the theology and work Bammel does, and look forward to events we can share together as lovers of Jesus!<br />
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There are so many other reasons Bammel has a piece of my heart...too many to go into, but know it's all good!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcN7NcQOURDF_1J4YIBNa46621MZquJgsKtUd5IcdFMtGr8V6uGOm0w_OpXpYFfDMM4IR3egECybrJCTFTzocMnPW48S9Zq6KO5TPBWB-Xh2DriSrDmD0RzV_nu7ptTca5MD2BUpxKck/s1600/194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcN7NcQOURDF_1J4YIBNa46621MZquJgsKtUd5IcdFMtGr8V6uGOm0w_OpXpYFfDMM4IR3egECybrJCTFTzocMnPW48S9Zq6KO5TPBWB-Xh2DriSrDmD0RzV_nu7ptTca5MD2BUpxKck/s320/194.jpg" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catfishing with my awesome Father!</td></tr>
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Since we left Bammel in 2007 a lot of life happened. One of the best lessons I learned during that time was what my father taught me long ago; appreciate those you love while you can, because you never know when you won't have them anymore. <br />
So during some years we were away from Houston, I sought to appreciate my family and current friends more while reaching out to new friends. I learned a lot of lessons; mostly that it's easier said than done, but not impossible, for in the end, reaching out is always worth the attempt no matter the outcome! Thanks Dad!<br />
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Glad to be back in Houston by my folks! They're super grandparents to seven grands already, and will be getting their eighth grand in Monika!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtbHL8D464VjmaxgrCbrUgnZkzBuBiyyp1E9Y370oSDpW-n1l5MDz5jPqXfccPx17dlKvQ514ftsx6dwUHxTbP_AbheEqe1-DBJX0Mu3g4L0nUfkiwqTNtQDRDIXnUN8zdv-t1GdYcSk/s1600/CAM003881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtbHL8D464VjmaxgrCbrUgnZkzBuBiyyp1E9Y370oSDpW-n1l5MDz5jPqXfccPx17dlKvQ514ftsx6dwUHxTbP_AbheEqe1-DBJX0Mu3g4L0nUfkiwqTNtQDRDIXnUN8zdv-t1GdYcSk/s320/CAM003881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my sweetie hanging out at our San Antonio home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You see, John and I are first-time parents! A quick note about us and our marriage of 21 years: If either of us had a seven-year itch, it was not evident. We so enjoy each other's company. Now at mid-life, we are chosing parenthood over crisis and loving it!<br />
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John is an amazing carpenter, landscaper, business-owner when he ran an irrigation company, faithful employee, focused worker, Financial Peace University facilitator with a teacher's heart, runner, soccer-lover, beloved friend! I could go on, but you get the picture. He's near perfect and only getting better. We are each other's mutual admiration society and have never doubted for an instant that God formed our lives in such a way as to "bump into each other" when we did. For the day we started dating, we never looked back and there were never any others...just so grateful!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1S4M9O_zZiFkvBJkNPtZsHJb7ZiL2hrWe_12N0v4pMkGOfgWX-mlQiI7D4oUNKcXDWkReC-2MRUWH1JvsZGi051RjYE3fDUBvRo8FYmYZ6hu3ZMD5n037ig_D-OjUfT5W-OG4qcFhI/s1600/151017.From+Poland+with+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1S4M9O_zZiFkvBJkNPtZsHJb7ZiL2hrWe_12N0v4pMkGOfgWX-mlQiI7D4oUNKcXDWkReC-2MRUWH1JvsZGi051RjYE3fDUBvRo8FYmYZ6hu3ZMD5n037ig_D-OjUfT5W-OG4qcFhI/s320/151017.From+Poland+with+love.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First family selfie</td></tr>
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And now, back to our story...<br />
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We just gave life to a bouncing beautiful teenager named Monika and are living the dream!<br />
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I was wondering how I'd introduce this piece of news onto Coffee...but timing and story are everything...and this is the point in the story of our lives when I can reveal our latest happiness!<br />
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So as I go shopping for new shoes, I am reminded of all the good "new's" I have had in my life... new loyal friends when moving to the US at 14 years of age, new experiences when I went off to an inspirational college-<a href="https://www.oc.edu/">OC</a>, new first adult job in Boston with the incomparable Ketchen-Lipson family, new husband, new start in Houston 6 years into our married life, new dreams of children and finally a new daughter to love and share our wisdom, wit and wonder with!<br />
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I can't find a period, so I'll end as my mother does, "let's put a comma here..."<br />
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***<br />
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This piece is dedicated to my husband, family and non-blood kin, particularly Harry Lipson who has encouraged me lately to keep writing my Coffee At My Table blog after a lot of time away! Harry, you're a wonderful friend, great husband to a super-woman in Bev, father to two of the kindest human beings I know-Sarah & Andy-my beloved charges of days long past, a big-brother persona, great mentor and former employer, and the most knowledgeable person on Texas music sending me the latest and greatest from your computer in Arlington, MA with the most breath-taking view of Boston!!!<br />
<br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-55658418599632887972015-05-27T06:38:00.000-07:002015-05-27T06:38:08.474-07:00Some thoughts on having peace in the middle of the stormWe have massive thunderstorms in our area today. In fact, the country has been riddled with unusual upheavals of tornado, hail, wind and unstable weather activity.<br />
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The weather has been harshest to those in the southwest, particularly parts of northern Texas and Oklahoma.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxyPnjepun1c0Oy0jcgVh_BGzWOM6eAtjs0bzpWmX4qlafy-Z2gMrvfzmbKN6pi1wC3Z_Gfp8NVH4OSrlYngF9nm6jp9zGN6iiz8pWtFzwLa6q16URLtLpLwAlkgzlzIQse8333YkUx0/s1600/Lightening+strike+in+air.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxyPnjepun1c0Oy0jcgVh_BGzWOM6eAtjs0bzpWmX4qlafy-Z2gMrvfzmbKN6pi1wC3Z_Gfp8NVH4OSrlYngF9nm6jp9zGN6iiz8pWtFzwLa6q16URLtLpLwAlkgzlzIQse8333YkUx0/s1600/Lightening+strike+in+air.jpg" /></a></div>
In our family we are all reacting differently according to our realities.<br />
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My sister is first on the list of heroes. She and her husband and children are seeking to help those in their area who have been less fortunate, including a family who lost everything to a recent flood.<br />
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Others are staying put as getting out in this weather may pose more of a hazard.<br />
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That's me.<br />
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With parents who count on us, it's not wise to rescue others at our parent's expense. They need us here and now. Meanwhile I continue to work at my desk and stay tuned to the weather.<br />
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I also know I am privileged to have the time to blog at will and don't take it for granted. I am very grateful and seek to use my words wisely and in a way that leaves you better for having visited my writings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX3di9-NErkyDHeidfyCKDAVaMtZCj0ns8WvhMDzhtawq3cn-OkF5hQGleJy8TwbgwrvK0EozQf7ze81lLJS8uzMtde0gzpSdGC580496RFP5lGtTOlXzHF_G3vp0xt0f-CXmJHkZIL4/s1600/Writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX3di9-NErkyDHeidfyCKDAVaMtZCj0ns8WvhMDzhtawq3cn-OkF5hQGleJy8TwbgwrvK0EozQf7ze81lLJS8uzMtde0gzpSdGC580496RFP5lGtTOlXzHF_G3vp0xt0f-CXmJHkZIL4/s1600/Writing.jpg" /></a></div>
John, on the other hand, is out making it happen. He's "hunting something down and killing it" so we can have dinner tonight, if you know what I mean. The weather is not keeping him in, partly because his work is not where the most severe troubles are. Yet, the troubles are all around. He understands the risk and is tuned in and ready to get to higher ground if needed.<br />
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I could be frantic, but chose <strong><span style="color: red;">focus</span></strong>. </div>
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I could chose to fixate on horror, but chose <strong><span style="color: orange;">humor</span></strong>. </div>
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I could be jittery, but chose <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">joy</span></strong>. </div>
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I could chose non-sanity, but I chose <strong><span style="color: magenta;">service</span></strong>.</div>
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I could be worried, but chose <strong><span style="color: purple;">wisdom</span></strong>. </div>
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I could panic, but chose <strong><span style="color: #38761d;">peace</span></strong>.</div>
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Check with me at the end of the day to see if I met my goals. My prayer is you'll pray for me as much as I am praying for you in your circumstances. We need each other, and it's so good to know people are wishing you the best where ever you are, and they know you are wishing them the best.<br />
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I have work to do today. So do you. <br />
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May you find peace within in the middle of the storms that rage without. <br />
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Finally, may we all <strong><em>make <span style="color: #0b5394;">peace</span> with the <span style="color: #0b5394;">past</span></em></strong>, </div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #38761d;">preside</span> over our <span style="color: #38761d;">present-day</span> well</em></strong> </div>
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and <strong><em>feel <span style="color: #cc0000;">deeply optimistic</span> about the <span style="color: #cc0000;">future</span></em></strong>. </div>
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For I believe more today God blesses those </div>
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who <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">stay connected with their</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">own</span></strong> </div>
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and who <strong><span style="color: #741b47;">realistically seek to bless everyone in their path</span></strong>.</div>
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<em>This post is dedicated to all the <u>trained workers</u>, <u>reliable rescuers</u> and <u>loving volunteers</u> who serve those affected by the storms of life.</em>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-83437476260934293492015-05-19T07:56:00.001-07:002015-05-19T07:56:03.380-07:00Nature that Nurtures the SoulI am nearly finished with <a href="http://philipyancey.com/">Philip Yancey</a>'s book "Soul Survivor," and constantly feel he has taken a walk through my mind, asking the same questions and looking for them using the same methods I use. And yet, Mr. Yancey continues to challenge me <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">practically</span></strong>, stretch me <strong><span style="color: blue;">mentally</span></strong> and provide a safe place for my <strong><span style="color: magenta;">emotions</span></strong> as I continue learning how to express encouragement to others.<br />
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I so enjoy reading one who appreciates nature as John and I do and weaves it into <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">real life</span></strong>, uses it to train his <span style="color: blue;"><strong>psychological</strong></span> acuity and <span style="color: magenta;"><strong>expresses</strong></span> his gratitude for the material world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MBQXfbhgKmol4GPn_Yy0VSvGxuTEFVlhlvICgLxlDe2cxEeY-uyesyxXsTIZ6MnkKHeiS-XzC5mJlY1jG4XlyI4FzuZAt7bbRFh_Ui2g5S27elU4xLHAeOFsmJfd81wUNVOZmu0Xecw/s1600/127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MBQXfbhgKmol4GPn_Yy0VSvGxuTEFVlhlvICgLxlDe2cxEeY-uyesyxXsTIZ6MnkKHeiS-XzC5mJlY1jG4XlyI4FzuZAt7bbRFh_Ui2g5S27elU4xLHAeOFsmJfd81wUNVOZmu0Xecw/s200/127.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Want to take a free vacation</span></strong>?</div>
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Take a walk or go for a bike ride. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL_7KsvbcVePheRgWTj6Elhp4IUolaBXwzd_1_WEI4zmYnu2jfxOnbTt5-LqysOyG6ZVzKEWNoLFw66i2bZUjrXYA1GzR_gSsAtpRCxt4dtNCS1WuY92wdVOX_WUI1aOz9Xgs-3JarAU/s1600/409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKL_7KsvbcVePheRgWTj6Elhp4IUolaBXwzd_1_WEI4zmYnu2jfxOnbTt5-LqysOyG6ZVzKEWNoLFw66i2bZUjrXYA1GzR_gSsAtpRCxt4dtNCS1WuY92wdVOX_WUI1aOz9Xgs-3JarAU/s200/409.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Want to meditate on God when the Bible does not make sense</span></strong>?<br />
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Look at the skies.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;"></span></strong><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwo7RCW5gCg72-GLrgHv5kOn7AhFM4X5hZmwjOc4Y1R462PTaxLf-rXcCUp8bzG_rsXQGgJ3NG1V4Nb8xR_5XNH0FDJc4AnHm6LGWLC1lsaUby4gn6nIQZi_gYM707tlLVmV-fZXQu2U/s1600/452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwo7RCW5gCg72-GLrgHv5kOn7AhFM4X5hZmwjOc4Y1R462PTaxLf-rXcCUp8bzG_rsXQGgJ3NG1V4Nb8xR_5XNH0FDJc4AnHm6LGWLC1lsaUby4gn6nIQZi_gYM707tlLVmV-fZXQu2U/s200/452.jpg" width="148" /></a><strong><span style="color: magenta;"></span></strong><br />
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;"></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="color: magenta;">Want to show friendship when there are no humans to be found</span></strong>?</div>
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Love on a pet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.chesterton.org/who-is-this-guy/">G.K. Chesterton</a> stated in his book <em>Orthodoxy</em> that "<strong>Nature is not our mother, Nature is our sister</strong>."<br />
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To walk with Bible in hand staring only at it's printed words while under God's cathedral of Creation misses the stage on which God's play is playing out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c5q9rjLhFTnSc7P7qC_wp9AG6zS-ArUcSgfhNA3BDhHYljLZi3L6nRT3Yvf5YOC9Bxh44sAdI_dKNFev7c5tMMXPD4-duOoqMhgT2oVU9P7qxjjOCW5ygu_DCMGf61CaTgHa0_ZyhEc/s1600/Body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c5q9rjLhFTnSc7P7qC_wp9AG6zS-ArUcSgfhNA3BDhHYljLZi3L6nRT3Yvf5YOC9Bxh44sAdI_dKNFev7c5tMMXPD4-duOoqMhgT2oVU9P7qxjjOCW5ygu_DCMGf61CaTgHa0_ZyhEc/s200/Body.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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He gave us <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">bodies</span></strong> to use, care for and nurture in order to help teach others how to do it better. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE2nAccr3z2FpmVHLGd1F7H9Cj40WgYBFnweEMuQ8Ox8JnqIUTCXeEHqv1jGvEJNPTItbsBoK7NJaAZo6HlZ1HMn4NNimEpvioAO_gEu41b3i8jNXFTQyHbALopPvGZan9EME4VdHuCY/s1600/Train+your+brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaE2nAccr3z2FpmVHLGd1F7H9Cj40WgYBFnweEMuQ8Ox8JnqIUTCXeEHqv1jGvEJNPTItbsBoK7NJaAZo6HlZ1HMn4NNimEpvioAO_gEu41b3i8jNXFTQyHbALopPvGZan9EME4VdHuCY/s1600/Train+your+brain.jpg" /></a><br />
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He gave us a <strong><span style="color: blue;">mind</span></strong> to use, educate and churn out ideas in order to help those created in His image know more about God and His purposes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL8_ahU73u7smJlotbFDPYZ9zBdPZR_mdQFJs7Tbv-vUGiDilbUvse5iUuduFmEzAPu5Ec9Q1mYRVFp-zzSv-VM1IQ_R7HGwheGkkAYmFDkAyKZdL7Ck1ZIIu969aWRDs1giuf_bUG3c/s1600/Humanitarian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIL8_ahU73u7smJlotbFDPYZ9zBdPZR_mdQFJs7Tbv-vUGiDilbUvse5iUuduFmEzAPu5Ec9Q1mYRVFp-zzSv-VM1IQ_R7HGwheGkkAYmFDkAyKZdL7Ck1ZIIu969aWRDs1giuf_bUG3c/s1600/Humanitarian.jpg" /></a></div>
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He gave us <strong><span style="color: magenta;">emotions</span></strong> to use, harness their energy and focus on expressing truth to serve humanity.<br />
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We may seek a normal and placid existence, but the truth is, this state is only best and realistically lived out in our soul. I believe this is true <u>inner peace.</u><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM1EhmiaeuqIKIRs6BzpqE2bT6seV8oPgdUKB9cJBM6el5v5Z1S1e1W_DCEzUqkj8-qXmnUZlocVQ009DM_YLhqqZTH0ihFzmwgz7tQeXkAOa3s-muJEUBDGgKnikBtjBY7XUZOYIYh4/s1600/360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM1EhmiaeuqIKIRs6BzpqE2bT6seV8oPgdUKB9cJBM6el5v5Z1S1e1W_DCEzUqkj8-qXmnUZlocVQ009DM_YLhqqZTH0ihFzmwgz7tQeXkAOa3s-muJEUBDGgKnikBtjBY7XUZOYIYh4/s320/360.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The design also includes the ability to redeem one's body through <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">exercise</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> and proper nutrition</span></strong>, through <strong><span style="color: blue;">education</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: magenta;">artistic</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: magenta;">expression & productive innovation of any kind</span></strong>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.anniedillard.com/">Annie Dillard</a> said, <em>"Beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will sense them. The least we can do is try to be there...so that creation need not play on an empty house."</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhN-EIbtC4qVUNvkPAXbf4Pzhk6_TG8wsa-RLij3-RqJrvOBt7fpIQUohGPvtZfxsxhm91ExYGf16obDDJ-5w1aoJR-OyjfcBwRHpE7wDabdNH6xw2AMNOtctYvx2nXzTgazkVK8hrfw/s1600/095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhN-EIbtC4qVUNvkPAXbf4Pzhk6_TG8wsa-RLij3-RqJrvOBt7fpIQUohGPvtZfxsxhm91ExYGf16obDDJ-5w1aoJR-OyjfcBwRHpE7wDabdNH6xw2AMNOtctYvx2nXzTgazkVK8hrfw/s320/095.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
I believe that Creator wants us to enjoy his gift, find solutions to better our lives and share them with others.<br />
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Or God would not have made nature to compliment us.<br />
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-81893305502671617592015-05-01T02:20:00.004-07:002015-05-01T02:32:16.667-07:00People Are My Books & Books Are My People<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When I was younger, I wasn’t a great reader. In fact, I
didn’t try to read because<span style="color: purple;"> <strong>the people around me served as my books</strong></span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUC7C1C4MnuNFCWXgQXl1tzLiakZ-2KcdyDI2TybnrLQ5YPSpwwGD8QZzyBjblqSvldTmaVp2OK9ys_zr_EbSTVnV4kl8Ugm1_daXWGuAmQnXpfruXNc13NgHnRkKI4158whqBdSxGWk/s1600/Book+stack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUC7C1C4MnuNFCWXgQXl1tzLiakZ-2KcdyDI2TybnrLQ5YPSpwwGD8QZzyBjblqSvldTmaVp2OK9ys_zr_EbSTVnV4kl8Ugm1_daXWGuAmQnXpfruXNc13NgHnRkKI4158whqBdSxGWk/s1600/Book+stack.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was the type that would start a book and not finish it,
then feel guilty years later associating personal failure with my lack of
finishing books, and other things. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">I made a decision</span></strong> sometime in my late teens that I would
finish books I started, unless they were irrelevant.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><strong>I began journaling</strong></span> in Jr. High. Life was exciting and I
didn’t want to forget one drop of it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPyJ34Db9hpTnELFr86cW9zfZnLnzEBguYnpEYAs7LXHvwUy1DcJk-FP3sHpRfpeIOLg8sQog5omooJFYKunCRKNXEPl7XJmr-enIep5i2EMjQojUSngimklryjrSQ6AnNpDvYFwVS8/s1600/Journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zPyJ34Db9hpTnELFr86cW9zfZnLnzEBguYnpEYAs7LXHvwUy1DcJk-FP3sHpRfpeIOLg8sQog5omooJFYKunCRKNXEPl7XJmr-enIep5i2EMjQojUSngimklryjrSQ6AnNpDvYFwVS8/s1600/Journal.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">Journaling helped me preserve the best memories</span></strong> about my
friends and family. Later, journaling helped me <strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">sort through emotions in my
personal development</span></strong>. Journaling has also served as a way to <strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">thank God for his
gifts, for recording answered prayers and as a general talking back to God.</span></span></strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Doodling</span></strong> in school transformed into writing my thoughts down
at work when life felt overwhelming, or when I was navigating my own belief
system, trying to learn what had not been specifically taught or shoring up a
conviction in the middle of a difficult situation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHLrG-dOOixw5Q-FiyXrVJHIwWqI-Qu586vg_qx2VwWsW0OXjRUbkkAQlFNJ_tkNl2xYPSN89QHT3rts9CvpChgQc8eeDZz6seLCjmR2pILcugmfitSIuj8gwAIuurGYmNklRIw4BFNc/s1600/Blog+keyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHLrG-dOOixw5Q-FiyXrVJHIwWqI-Qu586vg_qx2VwWsW0OXjRUbkkAQlFNJ_tkNl2xYPSN89QHT3rts9CvpChgQc8eeDZz6seLCjmR2pILcugmfitSIuj8gwAIuurGYmNklRIw4BFNc/s1600/Blog+keyboard.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">About eleven years ago I decided to take writing seriously. <strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">My
creative side had transformed from a visual artist</span></strong> – the one that got the art
scholarships to college – <strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">into a creature who couldn’t stop thinking about life</span></strong>
and thanking God and others for their contributions to my blessed life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I read recently that <strong><span style="color: #3d85c6;">overnight</span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #e06666;">success</span> </strong>takes about 15 years.
I may get there yet, but meanwhile I write. I read books cover to cover about
themes and people whom I admire, seek to imitate [until my own voice develops more], and then write about at some point.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp6RZgwjvWArZnxt_BEfyrGU5Gv00NKwnuTuzbXMQl9N_aDfrQdD9HBGYIefXVpvp8z4-Cgi3-jmlq0dROfreR2iwN79RyDgZWKLN04OCNLOP2LM4nt9I_h5-g0M7WQftRyV57o_3t0M/s1600/Kombi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqp6RZgwjvWArZnxt_BEfyrGU5Gv00NKwnuTuzbXMQl9N_aDfrQdD9HBGYIefXVpvp8z4-Cgi3-jmlq0dROfreR2iwN79RyDgZWKLN04OCNLOP2LM4nt9I_h5-g0M7WQftRyV57o_3t0M/s1600/Kombi.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I don’t beat myself up</span></strong> any more about not having been a
cover-to-cover reader as a child, because now I understand that <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">people were my
books</span></strong>. From the missionary team my parents were a part of, to the rich
landscape of Brazilians I grew up with - and others cultures in Brazil - <strong><span style="color: #6aa84f;">each person was a book
in progress</span></strong>. Each life a story to savor, enjoy, laugh and cry with. </span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_GuiSsPnh6RYATHNmrHmkEk1iAKDfsaTo_mCldj3D9JY-76qsT4cUSC41vucfLVNeltB8XhE4WpSOevnc9CjNo6aTFONCVdkO5uJiHNCgD1xAAm7QSDu8pt9DMkxNeCujJNRiN6qgDU/s1600/Reading+on+the+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_GuiSsPnh6RYATHNmrHmkEk1iAKDfsaTo_mCldj3D9JY-76qsT4cUSC41vucfLVNeltB8XhE4WpSOevnc9CjNo6aTFONCVdkO5uJiHNCgD1xAAm7QSDu8pt9DMkxNeCujJNRiN6qgDU/s1600/Reading+on+the+beach.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now I am understanding that <strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">books can be my people</span></strong>. When
there are no contemporaries that I can connect with on a certain topic, I can
find a book by someone who resonates with what I am seeking. <strong><span style="color: #674ea7;">I am
richer</span></strong> for the good gifts of books and unending stories that
reflect the living God, even subtly.<o:p></o:p></span>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-74825317001044476332015-04-13T07:38:00.002-07:002015-05-01T02:28:35.716-07:00Heroic Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLmpIX0STJ_vfoKNxH_4fV_JExJQ8uJQoyXReEr4oVJjTYxDeYHV7ce_hmhgTgI3_0ZoDEmUpulztenQxuss43yoDx-3NoItNkJODVxC4hBq8AH_t1eV9nMlt5z_9qYa5xm3vc9T6FA0/s1600/150513.Smiling+Scrooge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLmpIX0STJ_vfoKNxH_4fV_JExJQ8uJQoyXReEr4oVJjTYxDeYHV7ce_hmhgTgI3_0ZoDEmUpulztenQxuss43yoDx-3NoItNkJODVxC4hBq8AH_t1eV9nMlt5z_9qYa5xm3vc9T6FA0/s1600/150513.Smiling+Scrooge.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">"...and it was always said of him, that</span> <strong><span style="color: #93c47d;">he knew how to keep Christmas well</span></strong><span style="color: #a64d79;">, if any man alive possessed the knowledge..."</span></em></span><span style="color: #a64d79;">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1</span></span></sup></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></div>
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<br />
In the Book "Soul Survivor",<sup><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small;">2</span></sup> Phillip Yancey writes of G.K. Chesterton, a loved British theologian:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExHZD_w4gAyi1ojbukSdzPN4IBJ-kKDJxNThZBQdoKOZXTsVRq1GlZgKYuJLhUGYrrmwypId16nf24bBAPB410P_9_yJkxznTLCmz3CIGhauz52-_TVahworR8GkCU5rTYuHcdwKcgOA/s1600/Book+Cover-Soul+Survivor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExHZD_w4gAyi1ojbukSdzPN4IBJ-kKDJxNThZBQdoKOZXTsVRq1GlZgKYuJLhUGYrrmwypId16nf24bBAPB410P_9_yJkxznTLCmz3CIGhauz52-_TVahworR8GkCU5rTYuHcdwKcgOA/s1600/Book+Cover-Soul+Survivor.png" /></a><br />
"...[Chesterton] had been struggling with despair, evil, and the meaning of life, and had even approached mental breakdown. When he emerged from that melancholy, he sought to make a case for <strong>optimism</strong> amid the gloom of such a world."<br />
<br />
I thought of Ebenezer Scrooge who had been visited by the ghost of Christmas past where lived unforgiveness. He then encountered the Ghost of Christmas present stately planted in stoicism. Finally Scrooge saw his ultimate fate. Eternal unhappiness.<br />
<br />
But in his dark night of the soul, Ebenezer Scrooge made a decision.<br />
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Interpretation mine: <em>I will serve those around me the best I can with what I have, and I will start with my nephew and his happy though ill son, Tim.</em><br />
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It only took one step, a change of attitude. Then the clouds parted. Scrooge changed some things including his circumstances and his friends. And happiness lived happily in his heart ever after, affecting those around him.<br />
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Choosing heroic happiness is rooted in deep joy born of so many things, including injustice, adversity and loss. It can continue to flow like a fountain all the days of our life should we chose it.<br />
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I sincerely believe today that happiness begins the moment we know truly for ourselves that God Is and will never leave us so long as we live. And should we chose to follow Him, the more we obey him in good conscious, the happier we get, even if things get tough. When doubts come, read <a href="http://www.blbclassic.org/tools/printerFriendly.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&t=NKJVP&x=11&y=12">The Beatitudes</a> -- The Be Attitudes!<br />
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As we continue growing in this Truth all the days of our life, the gift of Happiness grows as well. <br />
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Self-gratification is happiness rooted in fleeting pleasure. But pleasure in its best form merely mirrors God, who was pleased when he created this world in its perfect state.<br />
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When we decide to be happy and find pleasure the way God designed it, it continues to repay not only us, but those around us.<br />
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So when you smile today, don't think of it as a mask, think of it as a deep well that is rooted in heroic happiness. You will find your well filled to brimming over! <br />
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Watch the clouds part, if only in your heart! And don't forget to pass along good news and good stories along the way!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><sup>1 </sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Charles Dickens "<a href="http://www.stormfax.com/5dickens.htm">A Christmas Carol</a>."</span></span></span> </div>
Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-51938848714701183162015-04-08T12:46:00.003-07:002015-05-01T02:29:31.961-07:00Isn't Forgiveness Freeing?I would love to hear you funniest or most sober or most touching story arising from a misunderstanding.<br />
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<img alt="Girl, Person, Oops, Forgotten Something" class="preview_img" data-height="355.0" src="http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2014/12/16/18/36/girl-570557__180.jpg" data-url="/static/uploads/photo/2014/12/16/18/36/girl-570557_640.jpg" data-width="533.333333333" title="" /><br />
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Me first. <br />
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Funniest...<br />
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An old college friend and myself were catching up a few years ago and we were having a lot of laughs. I then told her I felt bad about something I did in college and she said, "I don't recall that at all! But let me tell you what I've been feeling bad about all these years," and she shared something bad she felt she did to me that I had no recollection of!!! We then had another good laugh and it killed the bad story line we had been telling ourselves. <br />
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How many potential old friends are out there waiting reconciliation if only someone would give the other a chance? Has it been one, five or ten years? A lot can happen in a week, let alone a year or more. Chances are people have grown and there is something redeemable in reconnecting. Who knows, you might find out you are more alike, more forgiving or more of something better by letting others out of their box, or freeing the frozen memory from your mind!<br />
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<img alt="Girl, At Night, Running, Cloud" class="preview_img" data-height="355.0" src="http://pixabay.com/static/uploads/photo/2013/07/13/15/51/girl-162474__180.jpg" data-url="/static/uploads/photo/2013/07/13/15/51/girl-162474_640.jpg" data-width="533.333333333" title="" /><br />
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Isn't forgiveness freeing?<br />
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Your turn!Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-87369661645326877372015-03-21T05:49:00.000-07:002015-05-01T02:30:04.458-07:00Friends love at all timesI get the daily quote from <a href="http://simpletruths.com/">simpletruths.com</a> every morning. This morning's quote spoke to me:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 145%;">“A friend is someone who understands <br />your past, believes in your future, <br />and accepts you just the way you are.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 145%;">”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: 14px;">~ Anonymous</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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I have lived long enough to understand that there are people who don't understand my past, who don't believe in my future and who don't accept me as I am.<br />
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It's okay.<br />
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There are plenty who do. I'll bet there are those for you as well.<br />
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However, they are true who are true online as well as in person. It's time to move on when others are moving away from us or when we are moving away from them. We can still be respectful, but the end of friendships in their present form is a must to move forward in life.<br />
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The true friend follows us in and out of life no matter the circumstance.<br />
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I went through a dry spell with my friends many years ago. It was just the stage and circumstance of my life. But today I am grateful beyond belief for having gone through that time of testing. It tempered me. It showed me my true and valued friends. I am better for having been through that desert. It's made me a better friend and more appreciative of the brevity of life and the need to focus on what's important.<br />
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In counting my blessings through my present friendships, I came up with too many to mention, but here are a few friendship experiences that have built me up recently.<br />
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A recent conversation this week with my sister Andreia merely inquiring about a project John and I are working on meant the world to me.<br />
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A phone call from my newest friend Linda just checking in started my day out correctly!<br />
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A visit from my cousin Stephanie and my Aunt Lucia was all the therapy I needed for a trial I was working through.<br />
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A car ride from Houston to Oklahoma City with some of our best friends Lisa and Jason was filled with laughter and good memories for years to come.<br />
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A workout with my sister-in-law Mary Louise on a recent visit to Florida bonded us more.<br />
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An impromptu visit with one of my best friends Charla on that same recent Florida trip allowed me to meet the parents of a friend I've had for a quarter century and now know where she first learned how to laugh and learn to do life!<br />
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A recent conversation with my best friend Kathy from junior high reminded me I can pick up the phone and be where I always am with her, loved and able to love unconditionally!<br />
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There are so many more I could mention. I am rich with friends.<br />
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My friends ARE my Facebook. One day I may get back on the social media site. But for today, this works for me. And I want to say thanks for the many real friends I have and look forward to the many that are to come!<br />
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Be blessed friends and know you are a blessing to me!Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-42738161076888112922015-02-07T04:47:00.001-08:002015-05-01T02:30:53.900-07:00Snow Falls<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: </span></em><a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee At My Table</span></i></a><br />
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<strong>Snow Falls</strong><br />
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Snow falls quietly before snow balls start flying<br />
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Ice feels good breaking on the face<br />
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The players smile<br />
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Cold<br />
Wet<br />
Sloshing down the neck<br />
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Friends hide, planning and packing snow<br />
Then firing balls feverishly, trying to avoid a hit<br />
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Red faces<br />
Cold hands<br />
Tears drop from the cold<br />
Hands need a fire<br />
But laugher surrounds<br />
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And in the end<br />
There is peace<br />
As friends wobble around<br />
Arm in arm<br />
Feet crunch on the newly fallen snow<br />
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In the distance<br />
The way distance,<br />
A mother calls her children home to dinner<br />
And it sounds as if she is there beside them<br />
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Snow<br />
Beautiful and white<br />
Magnifying sound<br />
Fun to play in<br />
Hard to plow sometimes<br />
And it gets brown and hard when it stays too long<br />
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When it's gone<br />
We are glad<br />
But memories linger on...<br />
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<em>This post is dedicated to our friends and family in New England as you weather another snow storm!</em>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-47638622054051814732015-01-17T04:51:00.000-08:002015-05-01T02:32:48.899-07:00The Healing Power of Good Art<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: </i></span><a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee At My Table</span></i></a> <br />
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My father just had a kidney removed over a week ago. My sister and her husband drove all night to be with Dad for the surgery. My sister-in-law and our niece were there also. <br />
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While Dad was in recovery, the six of us sat in the waiting area. The surgeon walked up to my mother. The look on his face told us that something was amusing him.<br />
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"Mrs. Huff, your husband is singing in recovery." I asked if it was <i>The Girl from Ipanema<b>, </b></i>and the good doctor replied, "I don't know, but everyone is enjoying the singing." Later that evening after Dad got settled in his room, his nurse let my mother and me know we could go in.<br />
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He told us his name was Gabriel and added, "He's taught me some Portuguese and I am teaching him some Spanish." Later Mom told me his name was appropriate as he had that extra gift of grace in all of his dealings with Dad. He told Mom that he liked to treat his patients the way he'd treat his own parents.<br />
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So I asked Gabriel if had heard Dad sing, specifically <i>The Girl from Ipanema</i>. At that moment, Dad, still in his half-wakened state began softly singing <i>The Girl...</i> Knowing the song, Gabriel chimed in matching Dad's volume as not to disturb the other patients.<br />
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As I have mentioned in other blog posts, my early years were filled with all kinds of music. Though my father is a minister and we love singing in church and singing hymns outside church, we love all good music. I believe it elevates our God-given spirits. <br />
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This song may sound like elevator music to some, but let me offer a different perspective. It comes from a family of music meant to relax the soul. <br />
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Life can be tough and harsh sometimes, and what better way to soothe the soul but to bathe in well-thought through melodies and beautiful word pictures. Relaxing songs nurture and bring out the goodness in one's heart. I am not a trained philosopher nor a theologian, I am simply making an observation that humans need rest, redirection and redemption, and good music offers all three.<br />
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I also believe that God gave us the gift of music to enjoy, as a means of therapy and connection with other people. When cultures produce good art that nurture the soul, I see a characteristic born from the Creator to want to heal the human spirit. Afterall, we are made in His image. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Spring in Live Oak Park - </i>Photo by DHM</span></div>
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He loves us individually more than anyone else and seeks our good. And He will use anyone He wants to produce good art. Ours is to listen and watch for it if we are artists that we may make good art. If we are not artists, it is good to appreciate good art by encouraging good artists and investing in art and artistic events that elevate the soul.<br />
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I was an art student my first two years in college, but continue that gift in a different way. My canvas is family and friends. My media are hugs, gifts, and love -- lots of love. Am I perfect in my results? On some days, hardly. But as I learned long ago, if you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. My aim is to bring beauty and joy to my "patrons." I only hope their critical observations will be as graceful as the art I attempt to produce, because good art heals.<br />
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My father is home convalescing, and while he will nurture his soul spiritually with God's written Word, he also enjoys the therapeutic results of gardening, watching good movies, reading good books, turning on good background music and connecting with family and friends. He's a artist in his ministry, allowing God's love to flow through him to others, and it is coming back to bless him. Good art also heals the artist.<br />
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<i>This post is dedicated to my wonderful father and mother. Dad, wishing you great success in your healing! Mom, you are an artist incognito, your artwork is a clean and orderly home, lots of love for anyone walking through it's doors and good food to feed the body and soul! </i>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-8284139225973275032015-01-02T04:54:00.001-08:002015-05-01T02:33:18.670-07:00The Love That's Enough<div style="text-align: left;">
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John and I started out the new year relaxing to the movie "Joyful Noise." It was full of songs, old and new. There is one song that stood out and reminded me so much of the love my parents have for each other. <br />
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Here's Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton singing "From Here to the Moon and Back."<br />
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I appreciate genuine romantic love. It's easy to think it should be something greater than it is. But it seems it's greatness is in its simplicity. I believe true romantic love is not about impressing others with romantic love, rather it's about listening to my loved one and satisfying their immediate need. What others get is an essence of what is shared with one's spouse. When it's done right, others may misinterpret a perfect moment to be so because the couple is perfect, meaning a couple who meets the ideal of the observer.<br />
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But no one is perfect, yet there is nothing wrong with appreciating perfect moments. Ideal moments crystallize as good memories and are healthy so long as they don't take on a life of their own and become the ideal all the time. Good memories are essential to good mental health, and it's important to store up the good ones that swallow the bad ones we have no control over. I guess that's the nature of forgiveness, a beautiful gift we are given to help us live life unhindered, happy and whole.<br />
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True romantic love may be sentimental, humorous, dead pan or spiritual, but it's probably a combination of so many qualities. Whatever it is, each couple has their own tailor-made romantic characteristics, and it's inspirational to watch servant-romance unfold.<br />
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My folks exemplify a couple who have loved each other this way for 58 years now this past December 14th. One of Dad's first tokens of affection to Mom was the gift of a shotgun on their first wedding anniversary. But Mom was never a hunter, so the most they got out of that gift was a good story and a good laugh! Over the years the gifts became more personal the more they got to know each other. It's a testament to their improved listening skills!<br />
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As a young girl I enjoyed watching them be appropriately affectionate with each other. They still enjoy hand-holding and walking arm in arm in public, and not just because Mom's knees are aging! I've appreciated this more over the years, and how kind physical touch says so much to each other and to those around. It's the love that's enough, that sustains when life gets rough and when others are tough on us; our loved one gives us enough!<br />
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<i>Thanks, Mom and Dad for showing us that being together is enough and loving each other to the moon and back!</i>Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-28396302752537275782014-12-18T06:36:00.003-08:002015-05-01T02:34:05.838-07:00What does Home look like at Christmastime?<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: </i></span><a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee At My Table</span></i></a></div>
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I still have a grown up Christmas list, and it's pretty close to Amy Grant's. But my personal bag of memories and wishes -- in no particular order -- looks like this...<br />
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Home. Warmth. Comfort. Good humor. Grace. Helpfulness. Hugs. Football. Movies. Shopping. Walks.<br />
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"Food, family and fun," which is John's and my motto for family get togethers!<br />
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John and I sneaking out last minute to buy stocking stuffers for each other, and watching our long-gone dog Princess pine jealously over the stuffed socks on Christmas morning!<br />
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Hearing stories from the older generation and dreams from the younger ones. <br />
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Tearing into presents with the nieces and nephews over the years, sometimes orderly, sometimes not.<br />
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My father, mother, brother and sister and I sitting around a Christmas tree in the smallest home we lived in. We were in Brazil where Christmastime takes place during the summer! Santa wears shorts! <br />
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Richard and I getting matching red Caloi bicycles one year, knowing it was a luxury to have such gifts.<br />
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My paternal grandfather giving me a camera when I was six, which gave me my love of photography.<br />
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Every year my maternal grandparents gave us boxes of lifesavers with a five dollar bill tucked inside, something they saved up all year to give to their many grandchildren!<br />
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Teasing with my uncle Von, who is two years older than myself, and my playful cousins Kent and Kyle who can't resist finding the funny in everything!<br />
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Singing carols around the piano with my mother-in-law, and continuing into the new year as she likes to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas ending at epiphany.<br />
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Watching my sister Andreia read my parent's Christmas cards and catching up on where our friends are now. <br />
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Dad and Mom playing Christmas music softly in the background, and sometimes someone will join in singing along.<br />
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My sister-in-law Kim's green bean casserole. <br />
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Long walks and talks with John's sister ML that are more refreshing and upbuilding after being together.<br />
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Christmas in Boston when my family was a long way away, but I was welcomed by my northern family, Harry, Bev, Sarah and Andy. My memories of Brantwood Road grow more beautiful with each passing year! Thanks for including me on Harry's Hanukkah traditions where I could see them firsthand! What fun that was.<br />
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Everything is magnified at the holidays, including love, kindness and good humor. This is how I know I have a great family. There is more goodness among us when we come together. We do our best not to hide love from each other during the year; we express it as we can in little bits. It's magnified because we are saving it to give to each other in person.<br />
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So Home looks like Love. It is Love and Love leaves its stamp when everyone is gone. <i> </i><br />
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<i>May your Christmas season be filled with love, comfort and joy!</i><br />
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<i>This post is dedicated to my family whom I love! You have given me great love always. We are looking forward to making more memories this year! </i><br />
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-37562863678174651712014-12-12T05:24:00.000-08:002015-05-01T02:34:52.145-07:00Two Short Reads<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read two wonderful pieces this morning and hope they bless you!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Link to <a href="http://www.appleseeds.org/1_Cor_13_Xmas.htm">A Christmas Version of 1 Corinthians 13</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Link to <a href="http://www.jesusisthegift.com/ideas/why_give.asp">Why Give Christmas Back</a></span></span><br />
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<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>This post is dedicated to the real meaning of Christmas - Christ! </i></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>May the traffic part in front of you as you smile at everyone,</i></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>May store lines be short and your patience be grand,</i></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>May you be filled with good humor when offended,</i></span></span></pre>
<pre><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>And may this be your best Christmas yet!</i></span></span></pre>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i></i></span></span><br />Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-92157497786743143322014-12-10T03:51:00.004-08:002015-05-01T02:35:18.616-07:00Thanksong - My Favorite Family Vacation Memory<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: </i></span><a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee At My Table</span></i></a></div>
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It was late spring of 1983-ish. My brother Richard introduced our family to jazz singer Dave Grusin's album <i>Mountain Danc</i>e. We were in New Mexico driving along a mountain road. </div>
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" 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The cassette player was jumping to the beat of the album's songs. <i>Rag Bag</i>, <i>Rondo</i> and <i>Mountain Dance</i> among its many happy tunes. We rounded a corner and began driving along the most beautiful sight.</div>
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To our left stood a huge rock face darkened with trees reaching up so high we couldn't see the sky. But to the right, through the aspens we saw a peaceful mountain river flowing over rocks. If I recall, there were still patches of spring snow on the ground. The five of us were captivated by what happened next. </div>
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<i>Thanksong</i> played.</div>
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We were quiet, mesmerized watching the water dance over the rocks. Sunlight dappling among the breeze-touched golden leaves. Light sparkled. </div>
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There was a reverent silence. </div>
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When life takes strange turns, memories like these stand out. </div>
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My loving family. </div>
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Quiet and at peace,</div>
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navigating the beauty of created nature.</div>
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<i>This post is dedicated to good memories, and may they come flooding in to you when you need them most. May they dispel any disjointed interpretations of life and keep you on the path of thanksgiving. Be blessed today!</i></div>
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-22034951976318889662014-12-07T05:35:00.005-08:002015-05-01T02:35:54.890-07:00The limitless that is borne from the limited<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: </i></span><a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Coffee At My Table</span></i></a><br />
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So many good gifts. So little time.</div>
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I am going to attend worship service at my local congregation shortly. We sing unaccompanied by instruments. But during the week I enjoy a plethora of accompanied music, Christian, lite jazz, lite classical, blue grass, folk, country classics, pop classics and too many other genres to mention. There is a world of music too grand to know, and there are tunes yet to be written.</div>
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What is amazing is each song is written from the basic building blocks of 8 notes.</div>
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I have loved music since a child. At one point I panicked thinking that all the notes would run out and no more songs could be written. I also had the same feeling about the 26 letters of the alphabet; that at one point everything of value would be written and one day all written works would dry up, and the landscape of humanity would find itself sitting in a vast wasteland wondering what to do next.</div>
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Well, the wonderful thing about appreciating God's good gifts as a Christian are all the good gifts God has for us to create for His glory to uplift those created in His image. There is an eternity of songs, literature and innumerable other gifts waiting to be created from the finite and limited sources around us.</div>
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The builder with a good eye looks at wood and sees the home that will house others. The seamstress/clothing designer with clear vision looks at wool and cotton and sees the beautiful clothing made to honor the human body. The engineer looks with a sound mind at materials waiting to be forged into machines to better humanity. The teacher with a good heart sees the opportunity to create a more sound human being, who better fit into their families and society.</div>
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I think you get the picture.</div>
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So after a week's worth of work in my own arena using the materials God has given me to build up those around me, I go worship the God who gave me the gifts I have, leaving all at the door to focus on Him with the congregation, joining their hearts, minds and voices to mine. By myself with Christ in my heart, mind and voice I know my sacrifice of praise is worthy. But bound together with the congregation, the love poured to God is limitless and undefinable. </div>
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Does this sound strange and hypocritical? It is no more strange than the fact a couple shares their hearts, minds and bodies in proper intimacy that they may better serve humanity by bringing more humans into the world and being better equipped in heart, mind and body to do the work needed in the world. </div>
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" 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I have come to learn that worshiping and beseeching Eternal God to help build up and steward His creation with limited resources is one of the recipes for happiness in good times and fuels steadfast joy in times of trial. This plays into health and ultimately holiness. I also believe these three work together and only Holy God can judge rightly how this all works out. Mine is to do what He asks of me and praise Him all the more for His good gifts, the first being His beautiful and perfect son, Jesus.</div>
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<i>Thank you God that in seeking to obey You and reflect Your Son by the power of Your Most Holy Spirit I am relieved of playing God. May my finite plans be put in Your Eternal and most capable hands. When any kind of joy-stealing wall is put up, give me the grace to tear it down with Divine Love. May our limited resources always be used for Your unlimited pleasure and attract others to your Door, that we may help all enter who are looking. May we encourage all who need it, always blessing those who even reject You. For only You know the depths of cursing others in our minds and hearts and the damage it can do to our souls when we give in.</i></div>
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<i>Amen.</i></div>
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May your limits be healed and you find unlimited joy in eternal God! The sun is rising and I am going to enjoy a walk among God's handiwork.</div>
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<i>This post is dedicated to those whose limits have been reached, who don't know where to turn when energy and hope have run out. This is your day to find help and healing in God, one of whose many names is Jehovah Rapha, meaning The Lord that heals, and El Olam, meaning The Everlasting God. "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him" [Psalm 34:8]</i> </div>
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8859543540831539717.post-17451563450752768222014-12-02T05:07:00.001-08:002015-05-01T02:36:27.106-07:00The Source of All Goodness<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>If pictures & videos don't come up in your email, click here: <a href="http://coffeeatmytable.blogspot.com/">Coffee At My Table</a></i></span><br />
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I woke up with goodness flourishing in my soul, wanting to share this gift that has made me so wealthy. <br />
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Today is a beautiful day. The sun is up as usual despite being hidden behind the clouds. It has not missed a beat. It is good to be on planet earth. The Creator opens each morning with goodness, a chance to renew what yesterday couldn't complete. In each baby step we step closer to the day we meet our Creator, and reaffirm goodness with every thought and action we have.<br />
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There is goodness all around. I know the Biblical story and its weightiness and have seen too many sadnesses and injustices to count, but His plan is still working. His story continues to be played out. How can I not rejoice in that? This same Book lifts my load. Without it my spirit dries up. It refreshes like a clear spring, cleanses and redirects my path, pointing me towards Goodness.<br />
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When life does not go my way, even in the least little thing, there is still goodness out there. I can still offer genuine love and humor in all I do. I can make life easier for someone else in some little way. That alone makes my day. I am rich beyond belief when I get to share a piece of my day with others and hear about their day. Though I cannot solve another's problem entirely, I can lift their load, if even for a moment. Now that's wealth worth spreading. <br />
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I have a choice. I can let the unjust bring me down, or I can go to the source of all goodness and return goodness for disappointment. It's so freeing to give God's goodness to another in the name of Jesus, even if He is not recognized. He recognizes my efforts, which is why I seek to see that in others.<br />
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I also can list my blessings, recent goodnesses and see how others are giving their best to me in the smallest of details. I have a wonderful husband whom I can speak to about anything. I don't know the fear of saying the wrong thing to my husband. I have said the wrong thing to John and he has always honored me with an ear and correct judgment. It encourages me to grow more in goodness and the love that swallows up fear. Is he perfect? No. But he is perfect for me. He has a huge reserve of goodness for me!<br />
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<img align="middle" alt="Image result for goodness" border="0" class="iuth" height="98" name="imgthumb10" 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I have friends of all ages whom I love hearing from, whether they are being pressed or being blessed. In turn, they are so kind to hear me out with the positives and the challenges of my life. They give me a cup of goodness in every communication. How can one not be counted as wealthy?<br />
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How rich is one who is not under the pressure to perform for their esteem and value. We are loved just because we draw breath. How I love giving this kind of love to others. I wish there were more of me, which is why I write. It's a way to give more of me without being there in person.<br />
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Caveat-I know there are more like me, and I always get happy when I meet others seeking to make anothers life better in their own little way. And truth be known, everyone has the seed of goodness in them. Someone either didn't help them cultivate it, or they are denying their own path to goodness for their own reasons. This is why I pray, that they be released from whatever ails their soul from offering goodness, as I know others have prayed for me when I too have felt tempted to not be or do good.<br />
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I pray you know how loved you are. There is One God who is Love, perfect, perfectly capable of judging the world and others where I cannot. I am free to simply love and offer the best work I can. And when I fail, or see where I could have done better, I have a place to go. How can one not be moved at such great Love from Above. He is the source of all goodness and fills me when my cup is low.<br />
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Humor is God smiling on my soul, and to give a cup of good humor, is to give a cup of goodness. <br />
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Who can I bless today with the goodness I have been given? I pray you have been blessed with this little journey down goodness lane. Have a terrific day and when life doesn't go your way, step outside, look at God's handiwork. His fingerprint is everywhere in nature, and among any person who is doing the right thing, whether they recognize their Creator or not. I am the beneficiary of goodness, even in the most severe of my trials. How good it is to have a computer, be able to write good things and press "Send" so others can be good and blessed!<br />
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<img align="middle" alt="Image result for goodness" border="0" class="iuth" height="90" name="imgthumb7" 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" 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<i>This post is dedicated to all of my employers, past and present. They have given me good work, even if for a season. I have learned so much in each work situation. I am a better person today because of the lessons I have learned under your tutelage. Today I am blessed with two good work situations that not only pay me back monetarily, but also in so many other little ways.</i><br />
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Denise H. McEwenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15596198825189401274noreply@blogger.com0